Never
Ever Believe You Have Lost (It's All Based On Percentages):
Like most things in life, success in interviews is based on percentages. When
you first walk in to an interview, you are sitting at 100% with the interviewer. But
whether or not you sustain that 100% is left entirely up to you. Something
had provided you with the opportunity to have this interview; whether it was a
referral, your resume, or just a positive cold call. Whatever the
reason may be, the individual interviewing you believes that you have "a
chance" to work for their organization. That chance is all
you need … and it’s also what starts you off at 100%.
As the interview progresses, you either maintain that 100% … or you go
down. This is the most important part. Let’s say
you answer a question very poorly. It’s obvious to you by your
interviewer’s reaction that they were looking for another or better answer. Maybe
you have lost 5 or 10%, but you are still at 90%!!! In our society,
90% is still considered an "A." If at this point you choose
to believe that your answer has caused your disqualification, then indeed you have
lost. On the other hand, if you recognize that you have only lost 5
or 10% and that you are still working with 90%, then you have a greater
chance of winning. Also realize that you can recover that 5 or 10%! You
could choose to skillfully re-address your previous answer, or provide other
answers or questions that could possibly wash away your previous response. You
can earn those points back!
If you approach an interview realizing that you are sitting at 100%, that
your first answer is only that … your first answer, and if you accept that you
will make mistakes but are unwilling to believe you have lost, then YOU WILL
WIN!
Remember! The key to interviewing is to, "Never ever
believe you have lost. A well executed recovery is a part of
interviewing."
